It was a wonderful trip home this Christmas. I had great driving weather and the 12 hours flew by on the way to NY. The time spent with everyone was so awesome. I got to hang out at Dad’s store, and then enjoy some smoked venison (thanks to “Big Dan” McKinney!) with rice and steamed broccoli. Then it was great to hang out at Sara’s with Mom and the kids, Matt & Trish and the kids, and then also get to meet Mike. Christmas day was incredibly crazy with all these little ones running about like the days of old… but it was fun watching all that energy circle the room! So many presents for the kids – I think they got bored with them after a bit. I played Santa, but I was not as good as Sara – she is more of a vocal Claus than I. Dinner was great – Gram even made me gluten free meatballs with rice instead of breadcrumbs and they came out and tasted brilliantly.
Later on, we all hung out – Dad & Chris, Taryn, Matt & Trish, Sara & Mike, Mom the kids (now including Ryan, who flew in from Texas Christmas day), Uncle Dan, Aunt Nancy, cousins Karyn and Justin. One of the highlights of the evening was watching little Rhea tackle, wrestle and ride her 8 year old brother like a bull – she is a wild child for sure. One of my other favorite moments was the conversation between Abrianna and Kayli. I was attempting to take this Barbie doll out of it’s formidable hermetically sealed 20 gauge plastic packaging with Dad’s large knife. I managed to get a few of the accessories out, at which point Rhea enters the picture and immediately takes them:
K – Rhea… give those back!!! I need those!!!
R – I’m just looking at them. Kayli!!!
K – (getting louder now) Give them back now!!! Rhea!!! Now!!! I need them! Don’t break them!
R – **Runs away laughing**
A – (looks up from the floor and in a very serious motherly tone states) Kayli, you know, you are not being very sharing right now. You need to learn to share your things with Rhea. She just wants to look at them and I know she will give them right back in a minute.
I think Abrianna is 3 or 4. In any event it was hilarious. When I get a chance I will try and post some pictures.
Sadly, the Wonderbox XIX has decided to call it quits so I am working on Wonderbox XX. More information to come soon.